as in sedative
something (as a drug) that relieves pain
after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller
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Recent Examples of painkiller
Combs overdosed on painkillers in 2012, Ventura testifies Combs overdosed on painkillers in February 2012 and for a time had an addiction to opiates, Ventura testified.
—
Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
The attorney also questioned Ventura about Combs overdosing on painkillers at the Playboy Mansion in February 2012 and needing hospitalization.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
Drug manufacturers, distributors, pharmacy chains and other businesses have settled lawsuits with state and local governments over the painkillers that were a main driver of overdose deaths in the past.
—CBS News, 14 May 2025
Life advice People often don't use over-the-counter painkillers correctly.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
The attorney also questioned Ventura about Combs overdosing on painkillers at the Playboy Mansion in February 2012 and needing hospitalization.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
Drug manufacturers, distributors, pharmacy chains and other businesses have settled lawsuits with state and local governments over the painkillers that were a main driver of overdose deaths in the past.
—CBS News, 14 May 2025
Life advice People often don't use over-the-counter painkillers correctly.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for painkiller
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painkiller
Noun
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In that maelstrom, several patients were given doses of sedatives that ultimately killed them, and Fink’s account revolves around those decisions and the criminal allegations that arose after the crisis.—
Heather Hansman,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2025
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Terry was found to have died of an overdose of insulin and the sedative promethazine, the medical examiner ruled.—
David K. Li,
NBC News,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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There are also straight-up painkillers like OTC and prescription urinary analgesics (AZO, Cystex, Pyridium) that can temporarily numb things, as well as the usual acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescription opioids (though all of these mask, rather than resolve, symptoms).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2025
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Many NSAIDs and other analgesics are available in topical form, like creams or patches, and can offer similar relief without the potential side effects to your gut.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The amount of fentanyl appears to be dropping (see above), while the amount of animal tranquilizers, such as medetomidine and xylazine, is rising.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
24 Mar. 2025
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In 1980, Gallup asked whether Americans would object strongly to some presidential behaviors, including using tranquilizers occasionally (36% did), seeing a psychiatrist (30%), wearing jeans occasionally in the Oval Office (21%) and having a cocktail before dinner each night (14%).—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painkiller. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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